North State Voices: What do you do when the truth hurts?

I recently received a Facebook friend request from a boy I liked in college. I was curious about how his life turned out, so I accepted.

His family picture looks like it came from a catalogue that uses J. Crew models to sell matchy-matchy clothes to people who live in modest mansions. Oh, and he wrote a novel.

That last bit explains the friend request.

In trying to promote his novel, he posted an offer to all his Facebook friends: He would send us a free copy of his book in exchange for our reviews on Amazon. Well, I love to read, and the word "free" always gets my attention, so I sent him my address. When the book came, I dove in.

Well, I attempted to dive in. Really it was more like a stutter step followed by a lurch, culminating in a painful belly flop.

The two main characters' names and descriptions were so bland and similar that it was hard for me to tell them apart. I often had to reread entire sections after discovering I'd had the wrong character in mind for several pages.

As for the premise, I truly wish I could explain it. I know it was supposed to be a big controversy. I know every action of the plot depended on it. But unfortunately it was never fully disclosed, let alone made convincing.

On the positive side, there was football. I do love a good sports thriller. But in this case, the magical halftime kiss that gave the quarterback the clarity he needed was a bit too much for me.

"As Jacob kissed her ... he had a sudden, strange moment of clarity. Despite the impossible odds, despite the 28-point deficit, there was one thing that seemed strangely clear: The Mayfield Mustangs were going to win this football game!"

Wow. Just wow.

To add insult to injury, the book literally fell apart in my hands. As if a poorly executed story were not enough, pages 190 through 218 literally came unglued from the binding.

One good thing I can say for the book is that it was, where mechanics and style are concerned, competently written. There were no grammar errors, the sentence structures were varied and strong, and I saw only two typos. For the most part, the author disappeared from view, which is, in my opinion, a mark of good writing.

I also admit it takes a whole list of enviable qualities, including wherewithal and tenacity, to take a story idea from concept to publication, and for that, my hat goes off to the author without reservation.

And so the time has come for me to write a review, as I agreed to do in exchange for the free book. Knowing how influential reviews can be, I would hesitate to be the first to leave a negative one, perhaps giving courage to other readers with an iota of good taste, and leading to an onslaught of unflattering truth.

Do I post the truth as I told it to you despite its meanness? After all, I wish him well regardless of his story's flaws. Outfitting a large family in matchy-matchy clothes doesn't come cheap.

Do I cling to the adage "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"? This would show blatant disregard for my obligation to submit a review. He knows I've read the book, and several others who also received the book have already posted glowing recommendations. Wouldn't my silence be just as damning as the truth?

Or do I side with courtesy and post the recommendation below? Each part of it is technically true, but ultimately it is the perfect example of a fake review.

"It takes a whole list of enviable qualities, including wherewithal and tenacity, to take a story idea from concept to publication, and for that my hat goes off to author David McKnight for his book 'Tongue of Fire.' As is the mark of a good writer, this author disappears from readers' awareness while his characters intertwine to tell a story with a mystery-filled premise and lots of nail-biting football. Add a little game-changing romance, and WOW! Competently written and stylistically pleasing, this book is a page-turner that had me unglued in parts. For a stirring read, buy 'Tongue of Fire.'"

What do you think I should do?

LaDawn Hall is a Chico resident and columnist for North State Voices, which appears each Thursday.